Anti-inflammatory effects of Carbon Monoxide

We all know that Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon or a carbonaceous material, but it is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects. To shed some more light on the anti-inflammatory effect of CO, a study was conducted by Harvard University and the University of Pittsburgh. The researchers claim to have solved the mystery behind this. The study which appears in the April issue of The FASEB Journal, shows that the anti-inflammatory effects of carbon monoxide is due to its reaction with the cell’s mitochondria. FASEB said in its release: The researchers say the mitochondria react to low levels of carbon monoxide by releasing chemical signals that reduce or shut down the body’s inflammatory response — raising the possibility for the development of new anti-inflammatory therapies. The report further states that inhaled medical grade carbon monoxide has been successfully tested on animals in a number of applications, including organ transplantation, vascular injury, inflammatory bowel disease and organ injury resulting from severe blood loss. Source.